Conventional nail polishes are often packed with toxins like fragrances, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate that can be quite damaging to the environment. So for those who are environmentally-conscious, eco-friendly nail polishes are the way to go! They are often safe for your health as well.
Among our top 10 favorite eco-friendly nail polishes, Sally Hansen's good. kind. pure. stole the grand prize in our list! The formula is 100% plant-based and vegan-friendly, so no environmental guilt there. Continue reading to find out what other eco-friendly nail polishes made it in our top 10 list and to find tips for choosing the right product for yourself.
Quick List - Top Eco-Friendly Nail Polishes
Sally Hansen
Plant-Based Nail Polish That Provides Healthy-Looking Nails
ella + mila
Chip Resistant Nail Polish With a 7-Free Formula
Defy & Inspire™
High Shine Nail Polish Infused With Vitamins
tenoverten
Enriched With Horsetail Leaf Extract and Essential Oils to Protect Your Nails
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Table of Contents
When choosing an eco-friendly nail polish, you should consider the ingredients of the product to make sure they are not harmful to the environment. This buying guide will give you some tips for choosing a polish that will deliver your desired color coverage, while safe for both your health and the ecosystem!
Nail polishes are often packed with obscure-sounding chemicals. But don't worry, since most of them are harmless and act as solvents, plasticizers, or polymers to help you achieve your desired shiny coating. Nonetheless, there are still various toxic chemicals lurking in nail polishes that might endanger both your health and the environment.
Particularly, the toxic trio of nail polish, including dibutyl phthalate, toluene, and formaldehyde, has been shown to cause skin irritation and have detrimental effects on certain organ systems. And when released outisde, these chemicals can pollute the aquatic environment.
Naturally-derived ingredients can be toxic as well! For example, mica, naturally-occuring mineral dust, is often added to the formula of a nail polish to deliver a lustrous and sparkling sheen. However, the production of mica has been proven to contaminate local water resources and contribute to deforestation.
To be on the safe side, look for products with terms like "8-free," "9-free", or "10-free." There terms mean that the products are free from 8, 9 or 10 toxic ingredients (though you should also check to see which ingredients they mean).
A cruelty-free formula doesn't only save animals, but it's also safer for your health and tend to be planet-friendly as well. Compared to brands that rely on animal testing, cruelty-free brands have been shown to use more plant-based, non-toxic ingredients that won't harm living things (including you).
That's why you might want to consider purchasing a vegan polish! Usually, the production process of vegan ingredients does not consume a lot of resources and lowers your carbon footprint more than you would using animal ingredients.
However, many manufacturers falsely advertise their products as "cruelty-free" and "vegan" to appeal to environmentally-conscious consumers. Look for those that come with a certified vegan or cruelty-free logo!
When choosing a color shade, it's important to consider your skin tone and undertone to make sure that the color truly suits you.
There are no one-size-fits-all nail polishes for all skin tones, so you should definitely think about this in order to find out the most suitable shade for yourself! If you have a fair skin tone, bright and light shades might do the trick. Explore colors such as lilac, pastel, emerald or gray. Strong reds, pinks, or oranges are also great choices to make your skin tone glow.
On the other hand, those with medium skin tone will find nude or sheer white their best friends. Those two colors will create a contrast to your skin tone and help it look more attractive. And since most medium skin tones have a neutral undertone, shades like coral or grey are great choices to bring out the natural shine of your skin!
Lastly, if you have a dark skin tone, go for red shades. Intense and deep red shades like wine and brick will accentuate the beauty of your skin tone and give you a red carpet look! Neon-leaning colors will look super chic on dark skin tones as well.
Different skin undertones call for different color shades. You might find your friends' nail polishes absolutely stunning, but it doesn't automatically mean that the colors will look good on you tool. So determine what your skin undertone is, and opt for a shade that will make it stand out!
And fret not, it's actually very easy to know your undertone. Just check the blood veins on your wrist or ankle; blue veins mean you have a cool undertone, while green ones indicate a warm undertone. If you notice a mixture of both blue and green, your undertone falls in the neutral category.
For those with a cool undertone, you will look gorgeous in cool colors like mint or pastel pink. Bright red will also make you shine. Meanwhile, people with warm undertone will find warm colors such as peach, orange, and brown work like a charm. And if you have a neutral undertone, you can literally wear any colors, so go explore!
While waiting for you newly painted nails to completely dry, you might inadvertently smudge them. And for those who don't really have time, or are just impatient, waiting for the color to set might seem like torture. Instead, try to pick a quick-drying formula to save you some waiting time.
The lasting power is another aspect to pay attention to. Plasticizers like nitrocellulose are what keep your nail polish from chipping. They also help make the coating look smooth and shiny. Check the ingredient list to see if the product contains effective plasticizers, but stay away from harmful ones like dibutyl phthalate.
It can be hard to know the lasting and drying time of a product just by checking the ingredient list, however. That's why you should read some reviews before making your choice.
Most people tend to overlook the application brush of a nail polish, but it actually matters a lot if you want the process of painting your own nails as stress-free as possible.
Usually, with a wide brush, you'll be able to cover your whole nail in just one to two strokes. This will help the color go on smoothly, and you are less likely to get bubbles or streaks.
Meanwhile, with a thin, fine brush, you will have to apply multiple layers and might end up getting a few lumps. But this type of brush is a great option if you've already mastered the art of painting your nails, or like to decorate your nails with small details.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sally Hansen good. kind. pure. | ![]() | Currently unavailable | Plant-Based Nail Polish That Provides Healthy-Looking Nails |
2 | 786 Breathable Nail Polish | ![]() | Halal-Certified Product with a Water-Permeable Formula | |
3 | ella + mila Nail Polish Collection | ![]() | Currently unavailable | Chip Resistant Nail Polish With a 7-Free Formula |
4 | Defy & Inspire™ Vita Fit Vitamin Infused Nail Polish | ![]() | Currently unavailable | High Shine Nail Polish Infused With Vitamins |
5 | tenoverten Nail Polish | ![]() | Currently unavailable | Enriched With Horsetail Leaf Extract and Essential Oils to Protect Your Nails |
6 | Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro | ![]() | Dual-Patented Formula Leaves Your Nails Shiny and Healthy | |
7 | Pacifica 7 Free Nail Polish | ![]() | Comes With a Custom Wide Brush for Easy Application | |
8 | Karma Organic Karma Hues | ![]() | Over 150 Guilt-Free Shades of Polish to Choose From | |
9 | Piggy Paint Nail Polish | ![]() | Currently unavailable | Kid-Friendly Nail Polish With a Water-Based Formula |
10 | orosa Pure Cover Nail Paint | ![]() | Quick-Drying, 14-Free Formula |
True to its name, this nail polish is crafted with 100% natural, plant-based ingredients such as potato, wheat, and sugar cane. On top of that, the brush's bristles are made from castor bean oil.
Some reviewers weren't a fan of this product, saying that the consistency was too thin and runny for their taste. Nonetheless, many others found this nail polish a must-have and added that the formula dried quickly and stayed on for quite a while without chipping.
Another selling point of this product was its easy application. Reviewers verified that it went on smoothly and looked absolutely stunning!
The halal and certified cruelty-free formula of this product is what makes it stand out from the crowd. It's also free from 11 harsh chemicals. The formula is breathable and water-permeable, keeping your nails healthy and flexible.
Some reviewers weren't that into this polish since its consistency was quite thin and they had to apply multiple coats to get the opaqueness.
Nonetheless, various reviewers tested the water permeability of the product and verified that water went through! Many were heads over heels for the colors as well, saying they dried quickly and stayed vibrant even after a long time.
Looking for a non-toxic, clean nail polish? This product can surely help you with that! It's crafted without 7 harsh chemicals including phthalate, nonylphenol ethoxylated, and formaldehyde. On top of that, this product is 100% vegan and cruelty-free!
Some reviewers noted that this product had a thick consistency, and complained about how the color peeled off easily after a few days. On the other hand, many adored the colors, and further added that it had a natural gorgeous shine.
For others, the nail polish went on smoothly and they didn't have any trouble applying it. sers also mentioned that the product dried quickly.
This polish boasts a proprietary blend of calcium, vitamin a, plant proteins, and biotin, which nourish and fortify your nails so they stay healthy and resilient. The formula is also free from 9 harsh chemicals, so rest assured about its quality!
Some reviewers complained about the brush, saying it was flimsy and quite tough to use. On the other hand, most commented that the formula went on smoothly and dried in a matter of minutes.
They were also smitten with the vibrant colors of this product and mentioned that the color really stood out and stayed on for a good while. To prevent the product from peeling off after a shower or a couple of dish-washing jobs, reviewers suggested putting on multiple coats.
This polish is infused with nourishing ingredients such as horsetail leaf extract, essential oils, vitamin E, and aloe vera. They strengthen your nails and prevent them from becoming dry and brittle. It also features a non-toxic, vegan formula that's free from harsh chemicals, so you know your nails are truly cared for.
The flattering and vibrant color shades were what won many reviewers over. They also added that the color lasted for quite a while without any chipping. Others further mentioned that it went on smoothly and dried pretty fast as well. Various reviewers also appreciated the non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free formula!
This vegan, 10-free nail polish features various natural ingredients that are usually found in skincare products, including green tea extract, rice protein, and evening primrose. So you know your nails are getting all the needed nourishment!
On top of that, the collection offers 98 different color shades for you to choose from, which means you'll definitely find something that suits your taste!
Many reviewers were impressed with the variety of color shades and commented that the colors had a perfect shine. Most said they didn't have any issues with applying the product; the nail polish went on smoothly and dried quickly as well. Various further mentioned that the color lasted for a long time without any streaking.
Formulated without 7 harsh chemicals such as camphor, formaldehyde, and toluene, this vegan and cruelty-free nail polish keeps your nails protected. And it comes with a custom wide brush to help you achieve even coverage without any hassles. And the best part about the brush: it's 100% vegan, just like the formula!
While some reviewers were quite disappointed that the colors didn't last that long, many others found the shades absolutely stunning and standing out.
They further mentioned that the colors stayed true to the online photos, so purchase with confidence! People also loved that the product went on flawlessly and dried quickly as well!
Along with being free of 7 chemicals like TPHP and formaldehyde, these polishes by Karma Organic are vegan and cruelty-free as well. There are also over 150 different shades to choose from!
As for it being eco-friendly, Karma Organic touts their polishes as being sold in 100% recyclable packaging. It does contain mica, but customers haven't complained.
Reviewers support the claim that it's hypoallergenic and love that the brand also produces a nontoxic nail polish remover. Some found it to be a bit slow-drying, but most liked the shine and color given by the polish.
While regular nail polishes are packed with scary-sounding chemicals and can be quite harsh on your child's delicate nails, this product is truly designed for kids! It prides itself in an all-natural, vegan formula that's free from nasty chemicals such as nonylphenol ethoxylate, phthalate, and formaldehyde.
Reviewers loved many things about this nail polish; it glided seamlessly on their nails, dried super quickly, and didn't have a strong, toxic-smelling odor. The color was vibrant as well, and many seemed to recommend the radioactive color that glowed in the dark!
However, a few people mentioned that the color didn't stay on for a long time. Others weren't really into the thin, watery consistency of the nail polish. But its kid-friendliness was still a big plus for the majority of reviewers.
Vegan, cruelty-free, and 14-free, this nail polish is safe for both you and the environment! The formula is quick-drying and won't make you wait forever. Another plus is the flat, wide brush that allows for easy and precise application!
Some reviewers noted that the color was a bit translucent, so you might need to use multiple coats to make the color more salient.
Meanwhile, various people claimed this product to be their favorite and loved how the color stayed gorgeous even after a while. No peeling was noticed! Others were also happy with the creamy consistency of the polish, commenting that it went on effortlessly with the brush and dried quickly!
Give your nails a salon-quality manicure treatment at home. Nourish your nails thoroughly or find a good top coat to accentuate your color. Check out these articles to see our recommended products!
No. 1: Sally Hansen |good. kind. pure.
No. 2: 786|Breathable Nail Polish
No. 3: ella + mila |Nail Polish Collection
No. 4: Defy & Inspire™|Vita Fit Vitamin Infused Nail Polish
No. 5: tenoverten |Nail Polish
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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